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Every generation in the beautiful game has seen a bunch of world-class footballers battle it out for the crown of the best player of the era in which they play. However, for the past decade, the story has been starkly different compared to the glorious past of football.
Talking about the current age, two names have eclipsed every player as the greatest of their generation. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's combined exploits have left the world in awe for almost a decade. They are considered to be on a level above all others, thanks to the countless records and trophies under their belt.
But, their spectacular displays on the pitch have overshadowed many footballers in the last decade.
So, who can make it as the best player if Ronaldo and Messi are exempted from the competition? Let's have a look.
NOTE: To mention a few things, retired players don't make this list because they haven't been active for all the ten years mentioned above.
Disclaimer: This piece strictly reflects only the writer's opinion and not necessarily the website's.
#10 Sergio Aguero (Manchester City)
Sergio Aguero could have joined any of the bigshots when he decided to walk out of Atletico Madrid as a striker who continued their tradition of producing world-class marksmen. However, the Argentinian will certainly be pleased with his choice, when he became Manchester City's all-time leading goalscorer in November this year.
Remember that super important goal against Queens Park Rangers in the dying minutes of the title-decider? Aguero just showed the way to inflict hell upon their bitter-rivals as City clinched their first-ever Premier League title. And no doubt, that memory will remain the most cherished one in the hearts of the City supporters.
Needless to say, the clinical forward has a lion's share in Manchester City's race to be counted amongst the big clubs in world football. After all, it does take a worthy striker to do justice when players like David Silva and Yaya Toure feed you the passes for goals. And the Citizens have chosen the right man as their spearhead.
The clever no.10 boasts silky dribbling skills, strength, technique, pace, positioning and above all, world-class finishing abilities. He might not have a chunk of trophies to boast about, but Sergio Aguero has everything on an individual level to be counted amongst the best strikers of the decade.
However, on the international stage, it remains quite a mystery how Argentina have failed to win major trophies with the likes of Aguero, Messi and Di Maria in their lineup. El Kun will be one of the players to watch in Argentina's endeavours to win the most coveted title next year.
#9 Luka Modric (Real Madrid)
The Croatian's rise to stardom in the Premier League saw him join Real Madrid in the summer of 2012. Needless to say, Jose Mourinho's decision is reaping handsome dividends even after four years since his departure from the Bernabeu
From being termed as one of the worst Real Madrid signings, Luka Modric has come a long way to be counted as one of the greatest midfielders to play for the Los Blancos. Following a frustrating debut-season at the Santiago Bernabeu, Modric has now graced the highest echelons in the world of football
Perhaps the most striking quality of the Croatian might not be his passing, but the ability to make the game look so easy even if it isn't. He is the perfect combination of technique and vision, which helps him command games fluidly from the centre.
Over the years, the diminutive midfielder has operated in various positions in the middle. Needless to say, Modric has been equally effective in every role he has played in his career. Winning two back-to-back Champions League medals is the hallmark of his illustrious career with the Los Merengues.
There is no doubt the world will miss Modric's escapades and his elegance with the ball, once he decides to call it a day.
#8 Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Who can forget that tormenting night Maicon faced at San Siro in Milan? It was probably the worst 45 minutes he might have endured in his time on a football pitch. They still say that the Brazilian full-back, once considered the best in his position, was never the same again after facing Gareth Bale.
The Welshman has come a long way since then, winning a host of accolades for himself as well as the club.
Gareth Bale is mainly known for his tremendous speed and powerful long-shots. He has earned wide recognition for his long-shots, set-pieces and powerful style of play. His rise as a world-class footballer has helped in transforming Tottenham as serious contenders in the Premier League. Also, the 28-year-old was a crucial addition to the team that won the La Decima in 2014.
Only international success has remained out of his reach in an otherwise glorious career. Bale hasn't won silverware with his country. Even then, the prolific Welshman has earned a worthy place amongst the best players in his generation.
#7 Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Not many in the football world can maintain the level of consistency Thomas Muller can. The German announced himself in the FIFA World Cup 2010 after eye-catching performances for Die Mannschaft and since then, he has never looked back.
A product of the youth ranks at Bayern Munich, Muller has established himself as one of the top-notch versatile forwards of the generation. He is capable of playing as a second striker, winger, attacking midfielder and a centre-forward. Throughout his career, the German international has been praised for performing equally well on both the club and the international level.
Along with Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben, the midfielder has played a huge role in carrying forward the legacy of the Bavarians. He's the best example of Bayern's philosophy of producing and developing young starlets. For the past ten years, he has been a crucial piece of the Bavarian attack. Mueller was an important asset in Bayern's historic treble-winning season in 2012-13.
Tactical intelligence, an ability to perform well under pressure and composure are the best attributes of the German. His set of skills makes him a wanted player for every big club in Europe.
Thomas Muller is undoubtedly one of the most successful players of his age. When he retires, he will certainly have a beautiful bunch of memories to take away with him.
#6 Toni Kroos (Real Madrid)
It was a decade ago when a certain Toni Kroos sent ripples across the football world with his distinct performances in the U-17 FIFA World Cup. Since then, the German midfield enforcer has made it to the highest echelons of the beautiful game with his vintage style of play.
An exquisite passer of the ball, Kroos was the bedrock of Germany's World Cup-winning campaign in 2014. He has accurately replicated that role at Real Madrid in their back-to-back Champions League-winning seasons.
Toni Kroos has earned a stellar reputation for his ability to control the tempo of the game. His exploits while pulling strings in the midfield have earned him the pseudonym of 'The Puppet Master'.
On his day, the German midfielder can make more passes than the entire opposition combined. His consistency in dishing out decisive passes to attackers helps his team score a plethora of goals during a game. Being gifted with superb vision, Toni Kroos is also a threat to reckon when it comes to taking set-pieces. Also, he can perform equally well as a box-to-box midfielder, owing to his talent in breaking the opposition's attack.
At just 27, the dynamic midfielder has won every major trophy in the beautiful game. Considering his achievements, it is hard to believe Bayern sold him for just €25 million. Now that's certainly the bargain of the century!
#5 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Manchester United)
He adheres to what he says. And that's the reason why the mighty Swede is a beloved figure in the world of football. None can deny the charismatic aura and the particular style owned by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
You could go as far as calling Ibra the greatest player of his generation. Why? Because of the different geographies in which he has proved himself. Most of the players find it difficult to adjust to life in certain regions.
Zlatan, however, has the ability to produce silverware in any place he sets his foot upon. The defence-oriented play in Serie A, the technicality in La Liga or the fast-forward attacking style of the Premier League. Nothing seems to dampen his spirits of conquering places wherever he goes. Apparently, from 2007 to 2017, Ibrahimovic has won eight titles in four different countries.
Add to that his endless funny quotes and controversies which make him arguably the best entertainer even off the pitch.
The only reason that can be cited for his position on the list is his bad luck at winning the Champions League and the World Cup. The best in the world need to have those medals around their necks. Although the World Cup is impossible, Zlatan still has a chance of winning the Champions League with Manchester United.
Should this slide end in Zlatan's way, it would be like: It's the Champions League and FIFA World Cup trophies that are unlucky because Zlatan hasn't won them!
#4 Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid will be immensely pleased Sergio Ramos grow into one of the world-class and feared defenders over the globe. Signing him from Sevilla has proved to be a brilliant coup for the Los Merengues.
Ramos is one of those players who has played at the highest level for a very long time. Considering the last decade, the Spanish defender has made invaluable contributions to the success of both his country and club.
An intimidating leader on the pitch, Ramos has earned a stellar reputation for his tough-tackling and brave defending qualities throughout his career. Ramos came to Madrid when the dressing room boasted a number of big-name players. Yet, he has remained a rare constant presence apart from Casillas and Raul at a ruthless club like Real Madrid.
It was under his astute captaincy that saw the Whites win two back-to-back Champions League titles and set a new record in the competition's history. Also, Spain's World-Cup winning campaign stood on the base of his sturdy partnership with Carles Puyol in the heart of the defence.
After etching his name on every important trophy in the game, the 31-year-old is still going strong as Real Madrid look to continue their glorious years under the master tactics of Zinedine Zidane.
#3 Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich)
The reason why Real Madrid allowed Arjen Robben to leave will always remain one of the greatest paradoxes of this generation. Needless to say, the Dutchman took a rebirth at the Allianz to show how wrong the Los Merengues actually were.
The Bayern Munich winger boasts insane pace and a sight of him running at the defences is nothing short of a joy to watch. Robben has been guarding the wings at Bayern since 2009 and needless to say, the Bavarians will be more than pleased to have him.
At the height of his powers, Arjen Robben is a very tough player to handle. He has been a vital cog in the wheel for Bayern Munich after helping them win the Champions League in 2013. Adding to that, he is well adept of netting goals whenever his team needs him. Take a look at that Champions League final goal versus Dortmund for an instance.
Though he has quite a number of medals to flaunt, Robben still misses a World Cup medal in his list of achievement. He came close to it in 2010, but Andres Iniesta's extra-time penetration stopped him from lifting the most coveted laurel in football.
Sadly, his dream to complete his trophy cabinet will remain a dream forever, after he bowed out of international football in style this month. Regardless of his World Cup woes, the Dutch winger still remains one of the elite footballers of his generation.
#2 Neymar (Paris Saint-Germain)
You might be wondering how come Neymar's second? He should be right at the top. Albeit he has been a top performer for both club and country, the Bazilian wonderboy falls short of four years after rising to prominence in 2011. However, his stellar display of attacking talent makes up for that loss.
It has been seven years since Real and Barca locked horns over a young Neymar Da Silva who was just an 18-year-old prodigy back then. Even at that tender age, Neymar showed the immense potential that put him directly in line after Ronaldo and Messi as the best in the world.
A player well-adept at bamboozling defenders and scoring abundant goals, the Brazilian has quickly established himself as the heartthrob of millions. His propensity to score world-class goals has helped him in being a cut above the rest. Unsurprisingly, the Selecao captain made a world record move to Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Following his stellar performances, Neymar has proved himself worth the giant sums that were paid for him. The man who was once considered to be the heir to the mercurial Lionel Messi at Nou Camp has slipped out of Barca's hands. The board can do nothing but regret their decision.
#1 Andres Iniesta (Barcelona)
No other player has been denied of a huge number of personal accolades than the bald-headed genius. In any other era, Andres Iniesta would have easily won two Ballon d'Ors for his exquisite display of skill. However, the agonizing shadows of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have had him concealed in the dark from winning the prestige.
Iniesta boasts the best trophy cabinet amongst the current crop of players after winning every major medal in the sport. And yet, the Ballon d'Or and the recognition as the greatest player of his generation has remained beyond his reach. All he could do was just walk past that prestige number of times, without touching it.
His contributions in the making of Leo Messi cannot be forgotten either. The Argentine may be the greatest in the world, but he certainly owes a large part of his success to the 33-year-old. Without his uncanny ability to conjure a pass in the tightest of circumstances, Barcelona legend could never have reached the mammoth tally of goals he has netter in his career.
With Iniesta already in the twilight of his career, the enigma of how he never wore the most coveted crown will always remain a mystery.
